Associate Director - Science & Technology

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool

Full time (37 hours per week)

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

Due to the upcoming retirement of Professor Doug Connelly we are now recruiting for a new Associate Director of Science and Technology. This is a key strategic role at NOC, providing an opportunity for a world class science leader to shape and oversee the strategic direction of the largest division at NOC.

The post holder will lead organisational transformation and workforce planning, lead and support our community of early career researchers, and create a balanced portfolio of staff skills and associated development so that NOC can respond to external funding opportunities. Working closely with the leadership of the research groups in NOC and the wider NOC community, the Associate Director will support the growth and impact of marine science and global ocean observing in a coordinated way.

The successful candidate will look at developing areas of marine science and technology as well as in the science/policy interface (e.g. implications of emerging international treaties and national policy for marine science). They will build opportunities for new funding in areas of strategic importance, contributing to the NOC research priorities and the strategic priority of diversifying income sources to ensure the organisation’s continued financial resilience. They will lead the evolution and implementation of NOC’s research integrity policy and initiatives.

The post holder will identify key beneficiaries and stakeholders (internal and external to NOC) nationally and internationally and be adept at developing and maintaining key partnerships.

About you

We are looking for a leader in ocean science research with experience of directing large and complex programmes or facilities. You’ll need to be able to lead and develop large teams (e.g. more than 20-30 people) and have a track record of building successful partnerships internally and externally.

To be successful in this position you will need to be passionate about the ocean and the power of the ocean to effect change. You will have experience of driving change and leading on transformation, and be able to demonstrate vision and awareness of the strategic landscape.

You will have exceptional communication skills with a track record of building successful partnerships, and be skilled at working in a complex stakeholder environment.

Substantial experience in and knowledge of funding opportunities such as those from UKRI and/or the European Commission will be essential.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.

If based in Liverpool this position will require regular travel to our Southampton site.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

Submitting an application 

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter.

On your cover letter we’d love to hear why you are interested in the position, and what leadership experience you could bring in the following areas:

• Ocean science
• Culture
• People

If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Closing date: 22 September 2024.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.